A new Tobago House of Assembly took shape on Thursday, as 15 elected members took their oaths of office following the conclusion of the elections.
The 13th Inauguration Ceremony was held at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough.
The Assembly Legislature was filled with Government Ministers, former assemblymen, and supporters as the 15 elected Assembly members of the Tobago House of Assembly took their oaths of office before President Christine Kangaloo.
Among the dignitaries present was Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC.
Outside the Legislature, supporters of the victorious political party gathered, cheering as their area representatives were sworn in.
For a second term, Assemblyman Farley Augustine will serve as Chief Secretary of Tobago. In keeping with the Tobago House of Assembly Act, Mr. Augustine was elected by the Members of the Assembly.
Assemblyman Dr. Faith Brebnor was elected once again as Deputy Chief Secretary.
Niall George was elected Presiding Officer of the Assembly, while elected Assemblyman Niketa Percy will serve as Deputy Presiding Officer.
Three Councillors were also appointed on the advice of the Chief Secretary. Former Finance Secretary Petal Ann Roberts was reappointed, alongside two newcomers to the Assembly—Ackel Franklyn and Adanna Joseph-Wallace.
Addressing the elected and appointed Members, President Christine Kangaloo reminded them that offering themselves for public service is an act of love.
“It is a decision to place the welfare of others above personal comfort, to accept responsibility for the hopes, needs, and future of a community, and to serve, not for recognition, but for purpose. When individuals step forward in this spirit, they affirm a profound truth: that love of country is not merely spoken, but lived.”
With the Tobago People’s Party winning all fifteen seats, President Kangaloo announced that, in keeping with the Tobago House of Assembly Act, the position of Minority Leader remains vacant. While some have raised concerns about the absence of an opposition following the election, the President stressed that it is not a cause for alarm.
“One of the reasons why I believe the risk is not high, is that civil organizations in Tobago have stepped forward to give the assurance that, in the absence of an opposing voice in the Assembly, they intend to use theirs to help keep the Assembly accountable. My advice to Members is to listen to their voices. But most of all, the risk is not high because this is no ordinary Assembly. This is the Tobago House of Assembly. It is the Assembly of the people of Tobago – a people whom I knew growing up as renowned for their temperance and decorum, their moderation and self-discipline, their circumspection and propriety. The absence of an opposing voice in this Assembly is not necessarily a cause for alarm.”
President Kangaloo also urged Members to allow their consciences to serve as their opposition, guiding them in discovering what it truly means to have offered themselves for public office.